Barbie Death Camp & Wine Bistro has yet again arranged, not only for ourselves but for our fellow ePlayans, a terrific hotel deal in Reno for those coming to or from the playa needing a place to stay for a night. The Sands Regency has taken down an entire floor of rooms just for burners! Here are the dates and rates:

Sunday August 26 to Thursday August 30: $27.Friday August 24 and Saturday August 25: $57.Friday August 31 to Sunday September 2: $57.Monday September 3 to Thursday September 6: $27.

For those of you flying into Reno and looking for a good place to stay, this is a very good deal. They have free shuttles to and from the airport, a free Jacuzzi, sauna, and steambath, and ice machines on every floor. The rooms are all double queens and hold up to four people.

You will need to call: (866) FUNSTAY [(866) 386-7829] and ask for BURN12.

VultureChow wrote:Does the Sands accept UPS packages if I have a few things to ship out?

Call them directly.. almost all hotels do. I travel for work to trade shows and always send things ahead to the hotels that I'm staying at. FedEx will also hold packages at any FedEx Office (formerly Kinko's). There's a location just on the edge of downtown that I've used a few times.

VultureChow wrote:Does the Sands accept UPS packages if I have a few things to ship out?

Call them directly.. almost all hotels do. I travel for work to trade shows and always send things ahead to the hotels that I'm staying at. FedEx will also hold packages at any FedEx Office (formerly Kinko's). There's a location just on the edge of downtown that I've used a few times.

Me too, and I've found them to be hit or miss. Had no problem with one hotel in Vegas, and shipped to another and the thing was returned 4 weeks later even though I had the tracking number and everything.

I know the survival guide or something lists a UPS store that is burner friendly, just wasn't sure how the hotel felt about it.

If the California Zephyr is anything like the Capitol Corridor, your ticket is good up to one year from the date of departure. So you could get one to "depart" on September 1 and use it whenever you get around to actually going. Best to check with Amtrak [(800) USA RAIL] to make sure, but unlike airlines Amtrak is 180 degrees more flexible. Again, you are probably worrying about nothing.

tattoogoddess wrote:Kinda thinking I may stay around a extra day. I leave on amtak tuesday. Should I stay around wend? Is it worth it? Will people be there?After burn pool party?

I really want to leave the playa on Tuesday. Last year Monday's exodus was a cluster (to put it mildly). If you can swing it, stay the extra night on the playa and drive straight out Tuesday morning. Monday during the day was really great (before getting in the never ending line of cars to Reno). We ate fabulous food (so many left overs!), had fabulous company (wonderers from other camps/places), and made ice cream with the last bit of nitro.

The end of the burn is bittersweet...as the place empties little pockets of people gather and celebrate. Plus it's a great time to wonder around and moop.

I was told the rates will last until the last room is sold out. I said we "took down a floor", to be honest, we took down the entire hotel. When you're as large as Barbie Death VIllage, and we know that people across the playa (even those who think we're arrogant assholes) need help, and we give it to everyone. Even Gigsville. I would book the room fairly early, and make sure you know their cancellation rules--you'll forgive me, I could not negotiate that--and be confident that things will work out your way. I mean, there's a reason we use them as our Reno spot to pick up rideshare people: They have their act together. Is the Sands something of a dump? Yeah, I suppose. But it's our kind of dump. Hell, I'm staying there this weekend for the eclipse. On my own dime.

The bottom line: If possible, support the Sands. They support burners.

Dr. Pyro wrote: Is the Sands something of a dump? Yeah, I suppose. But it's our kind of dump. Hell, I'm staying there this weekend for the eclipse. On my own dime.

The bottom line: If possible, support the Sands. They support burners.

I agree with all you posted above. I feel like it's my playa home away from home I stayed there went I went to Reno to take care of my "ticket" issue. I have always felt very welcome there. I do wonder if I can use my $10 off coupon I picked up on my last stay... I'll ask.